Stroud Camera Club welcomed Phil Cooling this week for what proved to be one of the most engaging talks of the season so far. The evening drew an excellent turnout, and members were not disappointed.

Phil took us on a journey through his photographic life and portfolio, beginning with his early days shooting film on a Canon AV-1. He spoke candidly about how a mishap led him to lose interest for a time, and how digital photography rekindled his enthusiasm and creativity.

What followed was a wide-ranging showcase of his work, revealing both technical skill and artistic curiosity. His images moved effortlessly from sweeping, moody landscapes to intimate studies of everyday scenes — though in Phil’s case, “everyday” might mean a vibrant street in Cuba. Throughout, he was generous with insights drawn from his experience as both a photographer and a judge.

In the first half, Phil explored how subtle changes — a thoughtful crop, a flip, or a shift in perspective — can transform the viewer’s experience of an image. His explanations gave members a valuable window into how he thinks when composing and refining his work.

The second half shifted to his distinction panels for the Royal Photographic Society. We saw part of his Associate panel, a beautifully cohesive set of natural history images, followed by his Fellowship panel, a striking and surreal collection of composites. Phil discussed the importance of cohesion in a panel — in tone, style, and narrative — and how he achieved it by including the same recurring figure across many of the twenty Fellowship images.

There were plenty of laughs along the way, as Phil shared the stories behind some of his photographs — the ones that went perfectly, and the ones that didn’t. His easy manner and openness made the evening feel both personal and inspiring.

By the end of the night, members were left with plenty to reflect on: how to see more creatively, simplify a scene, and, above all, make photographs that mean something to you.

To explore more of Phil’s work, visit philcooling.zenfolio.com.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking evening — and a reminder of why guest speakers remain such a valued part of our club programme.